Assessing the Impact of Antidepressants on Cancer Treatment: A Retrospective Analysis of 14 Antineoplastic Agents
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Rates of depression among patients with cancer have increased, illustrating the importance of mental health care during treatment. This study sought to identify antidepressants with boxed warnings for increased suicidal risk and known to have drug-drug interactions. Methods: This retrospective analysis used the US Department of Defense Cancer Registry, Comprehensive Ambulatory/Professional Encounter Record, and Pharmacy Data Transaction Service databases. Patients with cancer were identified, and data collected included patient diagnoses and dispensed medications. Medications were divided into groups based on the pharmacy database therapeutic codes. Results: = .09). Although antidepressant treatment increased, there was no significant change in antidepressants prescribed annually (mean [SD] 23% [5%]). Conclusions: The study provides a comprehensive overview of noncancer medication use in the Military Health System during systemic cancer treatment, specifically the use of antidepressants from 2003 to 2022, and highlights potential drug interactions that may affect treatment outcomes. Future research should prioritize the analysis of drug-drug interactions between cancer and noncancer drugs with antidepressants.
Source: Federal Practitioner
DOI: 10.12788/fp.0586
Author: Thu-Lan Luong
Institution: Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
Language: English
Topic: Cancer survivorship and care
Subfield: Oncology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4413189221